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Upstream Process Development Jobs in Pennsylvania

Design and execute fit-for-purpose early process development studies to generate the foundational ... Serve as the upstream scientific lead within Vector Biology, providing authoritative technical ...

This independent contributor role will own hands-on execution and data-driven development of lentiviral vector upstream processes, including seed train strategy and scale-up from small-scale to 40 ...

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Upstream Process Development information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in upstream process development?

Success in Upstream Process Development requires a strong background in biology, biochemistry, or chemical engineering, often with an advanced degree and experience in cell culture or fermentation techniques. Familiarity with bioreactors, process control systems, and analytical instrumentation, as well as knowledge of cGMP regulations, is essential. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are important soft skills for optimizing processes and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure efficient development of scalable production processes, maintaining product quality and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced in upstream process development and how do teams typically address them?

One of the main challenges in upstream process development is optimizing cell culture conditions to consistently achieve high yields and product quality. Teams often encounter variability in biological systems and must troubleshoot issues such as contamination, scale-up inconsistencies, or nutrient limitations. Collaboration with analytical, downstream, and quality teams is essential to identify root causes and implement solutions. Regular data review meetings, cross-functional problem-solving, and continuous process improvement are standard practices to ensure robust upstream processes.

What is the difference between Upstream Process Development vs Downstream Process Development?

AspectUpstream Process DevelopmentDownstream Process Development
FocusDevelopment of cell culture, fermentation, and bioreactor processesPurification, filtration, and formulation of bioproducts
Skills & CredentialsBioprocess engineering, molecular biology, biochemistryBioprocessing, chromatography, analytical chemistry
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, bioreactors, pilot plantsPurification facilities, labs, quality control
Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceutical manufacturingBiotech, pharmaceutical manufacturing

Upstream Process Development focuses on creating and optimizing cell culture and fermentation processes to produce bioproducts. In contrast, Downstream Process Development involves purifying and finishing these products. Both roles are essential in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and require similar scientific backgrounds, but they specialize in different stages of bioprocessing.

What are common upstream process development jobs?

Common upstream process development jobs include roles such as upstream process scientist, process engineer, and bioprocess development specialist. These positions focus on optimizing cell culture, fermentation, and bioreactor processes to improve product yield and quality, often requiring knowledge of bioreactor operation, cell biology, and process scale-up. Skills in laboratory techniques, process modeling, and regulatory compliance are also important in these roles.

What is an upstream process development job?

An upstream process development job involves designing, optimizing, and scaling the early stages of biopharmaceutical production, such as cell culture and fermentation processes. Professionals in this role typically work with bioreactors, laboratory equipment, and process analytical tools to improve yield and quality of biological products. Strong knowledge of microbiology, biochemistry, and process engineering is essential, along with adherence to regulatory standards.

What are popular job titles related to Upstream Process Development jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Upstream Process Development jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Upstream Process Development jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Upstream Process Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development job openings in Pennsylvania as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Senior Scientist - Lentiviral Vector Upstream Process Development

6084-Janssen Research & Development, LLC Legal Entity

Spring House, PA โ€ข On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design and execute upstream process development studies for lentiviral therapeutic products.

  • Conduct cell culture experiments using shake flasks, bench-scale bioreactors, and automated high-throughput systems.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and support technology transfer to manufacturing sites.


Job description

At Johnson & Johnson,we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build aworld where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured,where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal.Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity.Learn more at jnj.com. As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognise their merit.

Job Function: Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development Job Sub Function: Biotherapeutics R&D Job Category: Scientific/Technology All Job Posting Locations: Spring House, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Job Description: At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at jnj.com. As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognise their merit. We are searching for the best talent for a Senior Scientist โ€“ Lentiviral Vector Upstream Process Development to be based in Spring House, PA.

Purpose: The Senior Scientist, Lentiviral Vector Upstream Process Development, will lead development, optimization, and characterization of scalable cell culture processes for cell therapy and CAR-T programs. This role will provide scientific leadership for early- or clinical-stage process development, with emphasis on cell culture and bioreactor execution at varying scales and data-driven process understanding, platform robustness and knowledge and optimization of upstream process technologies. This role will also support technology transfer to Johnson & Johnsonโ€™s manufacturing sites, commercial manufacturing investigations and provide subject matter expert knowledge as part of life cycle management for cell therapy products in Johnson & Johnsonโ€™s pipeline.

You will be responsible for:
  • Design and execute upstream process development studies for lentiviral therapeutic products and provide scientific guidance.
  • Conduct cell culture experiments using shake flasks, bench-scale bioreactors, and automated high-throughput systems.
  • Contribute to development of lentiviral processes to continuously improve productivity, quality, and manufacturability.
  • Perform technology transfer to and collaborate with Johnson & Johnsonโ€™s manufacturing sites
  • Support existing and new commercial manufacturing investigations and provide subject matter expert knowledge as part of product life cycle management
  • Apply statistical experimental design, data analytics, and online monitoring and visualization tools to strengthen upstream process understanding.
  • Analyze and interpret process data using JMP, MiniTab, Python, Spotfire, or similar platforms.
  • Evaluate emerging novel upstream technologies that improve process robustness and development efficiency.
  • Collaborate closely with downstream, analytical, formulation, modeling, automation to align study design and deliverables
  • Mentor junior scientists and provide scientific leadership across programs and cross-functional workstreams.
  • Author technical reports, development summaries, scientific presentations, protocols, and regulatory-supporting documentation.
Qualifications:
  • Required: PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field with 2+ years of relevant experience; OR BS or MS with 4-6 years of relevant experience.
  • Experience with process development of viral based products.
  • Experience in mammalian cell culture process development for biologics, cell and gene therapy, RNA therapeutics, or related viral vector modalities.
  • Hands-on experience with cell culture, bioreactor operation, media optimization, process monitoring, and process scale-up.
  • Strong data analysis, experimental design, and technical documentation skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, interpret, and communicate complex studies.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in cross-functional team environments.
  • Previous experience with technology transfer of a bioprocess to clinical or commercial GMP manufacturing is strongly preferred Occasional weekend work may be required Up to 10% domestic and international travel may be required
Required Skills:
  • Analytical Reasoning
  • Biochemistry
  • Chemistry
  • Manufacturing, and Control (CMC)
  • Coaching
  • Consulting
  • Critical Thinking
  • Drug Discovery Development
  • Emerging Technologies
  • Molecular Diagnostics
  • Pharmacogenetics
  • Pharmacovigilance
  • Process Improvements
  • Quality Assurance (QA)
  • Relationship Building
  • Research Documents
  • Scientific Research
  • Technologically Savvy
Preferred Skills:

Johnson & Johnson,we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build aworld where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured,where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal.Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity.Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/.

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